11/19/91 — Our NICU Journey Day 3

Big brother Ian, Nana, Mama Susan, big sister Becky visiting the ISCU. Do not mock clothing/eyewear. It was the ’90s. It was not our fault.

Isaac

Daddy donated blood for you. He was very scared, but he loves you so much he did it just for you. (Editor’s note: Kenn did donate blood, but it wasn’t pretty, and the phlebotomists invited him not to come back … ever. Donating blood in honor of a preemie is one of the most generous gifts you can give. Contact your local hospital or Red Cross for information on how to donate in someone’s name.) Grandma and Papa came to visit you again before they left for home today. Papa wants you to get big so you can play golf with him. I know they’ll miss you, but they’ll be back soon. Your big brother Ian and big sister Becky came to see you last night for the first time. Ian is very happy to finally have a brother. Uncle Robert came last night, too, and Nana Rhoda came today to visit. They say the next 24 hours is critical.

Molly

Started IV proteins and vitamins today. Mama started pumping breast milk to have it ready for you when you are ready. (Editor’s note: most very early preemies have digestive tracts that are too immature to process even breast milk, often called the perfect food. There is a high risk of a dangerous infection called NEC — see Glossary.) Last night was a busy night for visitors. Your big brother and sister, Ian and Becky, came to visit the first time, and so did Uncle Robert. Ian and Becky think you are little and kind of boring right now. They want you to get bigger so you can play with them and hold onto them. Becky thinks Isaac is a nudge, pulling you out before you was ready. Nana Rhoda met you today. Uncle Eddie says he’s your “good uncle” and no boys had better mess with his niece. I miss Grandma and Papa already. They had to go home to Michigan today. They say the next 24 hours is critical.

Of course, mine are really Isaac and Molly. Isaac got shorted to Ike, and Ike and Molly transformed into Mike&Ollie — one word, like Brangelina. There is comfort for me in reading everyone’s stories and I hope reading our story brings comfort to others. Best, Susan

Look How We’ve Grown

The pictures in the banner at the top of this blog are Isaac shortly after birth (l), Ike and Molly in 2010 (c), and Molly shortly after birth (that's her dad's wedding ring dangling on her arm, just to put things in perspective).